Understanding the Trinity as a doctrine.

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
The Greek word for "and" in 1 Corinthians 8:6 is "kai" which can indeed be translated "even".

And I think that at one time I did study into the Greek language and am aware that it does indeed have capital letters in it.

So, it is a myth that it does not.

Here is an example.

Mat 5:13, μεῖς ἐστε τὸ ἅλας τῆς γῆς· ἐὰν δὲ τὸ ἅλας μωρανθῇ ἐν τίνι ἁλισθήσεται εἰς οὐδὲν ἰσχύει ἔτι εἰ μὴ βληθῆναι ἔξω καὶ καταπατεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.
https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/8-6.htm
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
All you have to do is go on google images, type in "original Greek text", and look at the Greek written on stone. Bottom line is... if there is or ever was scripture written in any language that did not have capital letters, then your argument for them is completely illogical.


1 Corinthians 8:6

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

1 Corinthians 8:6

ἀλλ᾽ ἡμῖν εἷς θεὸς ὁ πατήρ ἐξ οὗ τὰ πάντα καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς αὐτόν καὶ εἷς κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστός δι᾽ οὗ τὰ πάντα καὶ ἡμεῖς δι᾽ αὐτοῦ


Nobody said that "kai" can't be translated into the word "even". The Greek word simply does not exist before the words "the Father" like you placed it. The word "kai" exists three places in that verse, and is translated into "and" in all three places in the bible version YOU use.
I just posted an example and link that shows that kai can be translated even.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
IOW? That is fine... one can believe in this post without believing in the trinity. There is only one Most High (The Father)... and He is above all... including the Messiah.
Revelation 1:8
New Revised Standard Version
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

The context and the book is about Jesus. Alpha and Omega in that book is applied to Jesus.

Revelation 21:6
Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.

Revelation 22:13
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

12 “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes,[g] so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
Not sure what is being said here, link seems fine. Here is the salients

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Isaiah 9:6—Why is Jesus called “the everlasting Father” if He is the Son of God?
Problem: The orthodox Christian doctrine of the Trinity holds that God is one Essence in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, Isaiah 9:6 calls the Messiah “the everlasting Father.” How can Jesus be both the Father and the Son?

Solution: This verse is not a Trinitarian formula that calls Jesus Christ the Father. Actually, it is easier to grasp the idea when the phrase is rendered literally into English, “Father of eternity.” The first part of verse six makes reference to the incarnation of Jesus. The part that lists the names by which He is called expresses His relationship to His people. He is to us the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Father of Eternity, the Prince of Peace. Considered in this way, we see that Jesus is the One who gives us eternal life. By His death, burial, and resurrection, He has brought life and immortality to light. Truly, He is the Father of eternity for His people. The name “Father of eternity” indicates that, as a loving father provides for His children, so Jesus loves us and has provided for us by giving us everlasting life.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Trinity is everywhere but nowhere.
I had two tabs open and clicked the wrong one. tired at time
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
The "Father of eternity" is still the Father.

Better change that scripture one more time.
https://defendinginerrancy.com/bible-solutions/Isaiah_9.6.php

"
Correcting the misinterpretation
It is important to understand that, in view of the fact that Scripture interprets Scripture, the Father is considered by Jesus as someone other than himself more than 200 times in the New Testament. And more than 50 times in the New Testament the Father and Son are seen to be distinct within the same verse (see, for example, Rom. 15:6; 2 Cor. 1:3–4; Gal. 1:3; Phil. 2:10–11; 1 John 2:1; and 2 John 3). Since the Word of God does not contradict itself, these facts must be kept in mind when we interpret Isaiah 9:6.

Second, the phrase in question is better rendered into English, “Father of eternity.” In reference to Jesus this phrase can mean several things:

Some believe the phrase is used here in accordance with the Hebrew mindset that says that he who possesses a thing is called the father of it. For example, the father of knowledge means “intelligent,” and the father of glory means “glorious.” According to this common usage, the meaning of Father of eternity in Isaiah 9:6 is “eternal.” Christ as the “Father of eternity” is an eternal being.

A second view suggests that the first part of verse six makes reference to the incarnation of Jesus. The part that lists the names by which he is called expresses his relationship to his people. He is to us the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Father of Eternity, the Prince of Peace.

In this sense of the word Father, Jesus is a provider of eternal life. By his death, burial, and resurrection, he has brought life and immortality to light (2 Tim. 1:10). Truly, he is the Father or provider of eternity for his people.

Does "Mighty God" indicate that Jesus is a lesser God?=
Jehovah's Witnesses argue that the reference to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 as “Mighty God” indicates that Jesus is a lesser God than God the Father?

"https://en.believethesign.com/index.php?title=Isaiah_9:6&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
lord
LORD, n.

1. A master; a person possessing supreme power and authority; a ruler; a governor.

Man over man he made not lord.

But now I was the lord of this fair mansion.

2. A tyrant; an oppressive ruler.

3. A husband.

I oft in bitterness of soul deplores my absent daughter, and my dearer lord.

My lord also being old. Gen. 18.

4. A baron; the proprietor of a manor; as the lord of the manor.

5. A nobleman; a title of honor in Great Britain given to those who are noble by birth or creation; a peer of the realm, including dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts and barons. Archbishops and bishops also, as members of the house of lords, are lords of parliament. Thus we say, lords temporal and spiritual. By courtesy also the title is given to the sons of dukes and marquises, and to the eldest sons of earls.

6. An honorary title bestowed on certain official characters; as lord advocate, lord chamberlain, lord chancellor, lord chief justice, &c.

7. In scripture, the Supreme Being; Jehovah. When Lord, in the Old Testament, is prints in capitals, it is the translation of JEHOVAH, and so might, with more propriety, be rendered. The word is applied to Christ, Ps. 110. Col. 3. and to the Holy Spirit, 2Thess. 3. As a title of respect, it is applied to kings, Gen. 40. 2Sam. 19. to princes and nobles, Gen 42. Dan. 4. to a husband, Gen. 18. to a prophet, 1Kings 18. 2Kings 2. and to a respectable person, Gen. 24. Christ is called the Lord of glory, 1Cor. 2. and Lord of lords, Rev. 19.

LORD, v.t. To invest with the dignity and privileges of a lord.

LORD, v.i. To domineer; to rule with arbitrary or despotic sway; sometimes followed by over, and sometimes by it, in the manner of a transitive verb.

The whiles she lordeth in licentious bliss.

I see them lording it in London streets.

They lorded over them whom now they serve.

https://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/lord.html
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
Lol... don't try to steer away from YOUR translation now. You accept it for its capital letters, but you don't accept it when it translates a word in way that doesn't fit your doctrine. Hilarious... you make it up as u go. When does your new religion start?
What translations do you use friend and who are the translators? give online links to them please.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
The Holy Spirit is addressed as a "He" for different reasons in different places in scripture:



Personification....


Genesis 4:10

And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.


Psalm 77:16

The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.


Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.


Joel 1:10

The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.


Proverbs 8:1

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?



Can blood cry? Can water be afraid? Can the sun be ashamed? Can land mourn? Is wisdom female with a voice?



Nobody can survive without spirit, its the lifeforce from The Most High... Therefore spirit is many times used interchangeably with the person controlling it:


Genesis 41:8

8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.


Samuel 1:15

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.



1 Kings 21:4-5

4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.
5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?



So if I say my spirit is sad, sorrowful, troubled, in grief, etc.... does that mean it is a separate person from me? Of course not. The spirit is part of what makes up a human being. Likewise with the Holy Spirit... which is The Most High's spirit.


Mankind can not see or hear The Most High. He communicates to us through His Spirit. Just like your spirit is not a separate person from you, His spirit is not a separate person from Him. He is the person controlling the spirit, and we experience Him through His Holy spirit.


The last reason The Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to a "He" is simply based on the translator's choice. Many pronouns are universal and could be translated as he, she, it, etc. I do think it makes the most sense to translate the pronouns dealing with the Holy Spirit as "He" though because The Father is the person behind His spirit.

We are never told to worship the Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit does not have an actual name, no throne in heaven, not mentioned in any of the epistle greetings with the Father and Son, etc. We should be giving The Most High all the glory, rather than share it with His way of interacting with us.
Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Only a person speaks in the first person. The use of ego, I indicates the HS is a person.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
I did not ignore any texts, it is clear from the other verses you supplied that the Messiah knows all things dealing with the creation itself. That is what he was given the authority over.


Acts 1:7

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.


The Messiah was not given the authority over times and seasons... hence why he does not know them:

.
poor logic friend, jumping to an unmerited conclusion.

"The key to understanding Jesus’ seeming lack of knowledge in this matter lies in the nature of the Incarnation. When the Son of God became a man, He remained fully God, but He also took on a true human nature. Jesus retained all the attributes of divinity, yet, as a man, He voluntarily restricted their use. "
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-know-return.html
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
This is incorrect as well... May be better to just call Him Father or The Most High.
Hebrew was my first language, thus I am in the know.

"The name Yahweh (yah-WEH) occurs more than 6,800 times in the Old Testament. It appears in every book but Esther, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. As the sacred, personal name of Israel's God, it was eventually spoken aloud only by priests worshiping in the Jerusalem temple. After the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, the name was not pronounced. Adonay was substituted for Yahweh whenever it appeared in the biblical text. Because of this, the correct pronunciation of this name was eventually lost. English editions of the Bible usually translate Adonay as "Lord" and Yahweh as "LORD." Yahweh is the name that is most closely linked to God's redeeming acts in the history of his chosen people. We know God because of what he has done. When you pray to Yahweh, remember that he is the same God who draws near to save you from the tyranny of sin just as he saved his people from tyrannical slavery in Egypt. "
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-it-matters-that-god-is-yahweh.html

Have a good night friend,
daniel
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
Even if there wasn't translation issues in the bible version you use with the phrase "I AM" in Exodus, using the same phrase as The Most High does not denote that you are the same entity or carry the same level of power/authority. That requires pure speculation.


None of the verses posted say The Father's Holy spirit is a person, nor do they say Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all equal and make up The Most High God. Those beliefs require you to read the trinity doctrine into the text.


Luke 1:35 says what the Holy spirit does... but you miss it because or the trinitarian blinders. The Holy spirit carries the power of The Most High. It is our access to Him. He can not be seen or heard directly by man, so everything is done through HIS spirit.


This is a pattern... you post a bunch of beliefs you have regarding the trinity, then you follow up with some verses that don't say those things. John 17:11 and 17:20-21 are contradictory to what trinitarians often (including on this forum) use as evidence for their doctrine. They use the verses that state The Father and Son are "one" as evidence that they together make up The Most High God. Nowhere does it say this in scripture, and those verses in John 17 say we all can be "one" with God like the Father and Son are "one". So with the faulty trinitarian logic, we would all be able to make up what The Most High God is.... but of course that's not the case.



I have never denied Jesus being "God"... However, I have proven many times on this forum that the word "God" is not exclusive for the Messiah or His Father. God, Lord, Son of God, Son of man, Only begotten son..... None of these terms are exclusive to The Messiah. That is really irrelevant anyway because The Most High still has titles exclusive to Him that The Messiah is never referred to. Sure Jesus is God as well... but he is still outranked by His Father The Most High God.


Again, Son of God and Son of man are not exclusive to the Messiah. Regardless, they do not prove the trinity doctrine either way.




The Son of God is a title used for those that that are walking in a way that represents The Father. Son of God represents the spiritual, Son of man represents the physical. Again, not exclusive titles for the Messiah and do not define the trinity doctrine.




Everything was good until that last line... Why is he not always subject to The Father? All the Messiah's power and authority was given to him by his Father. The Father simply delegated this rulership to His son.



...and here you are completely off. There is absolutely nothing you have posted from scripture that indicates what the Godhead is, let alone it being a trinity (three persons). There is absolutely nothing that you posted from scripture that indicates that just because The Father gave the Messiah reign over the angels in heaven and man on earth, that he also receives all of the titles and same authority as his Father. Everything you posted goes right in line with post #478. The trinity doctrine is your foundation and the scriptures are therefore interpreted with a lens that fits that doctrine... rather than simply starting with the simple and literal interpretations of scripture and working your way out from there.


The word "Godhead" is only in scripture three times that I'm aware of. To assume that this word means Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is speculation at best. For those that are not KJV-onlyists, many bible versions (and Strong's dictionary) translate this word as "divinity". Thayer's Lexicon has this word as "diety"... meaning the state of being God (as opposed to man). No definition of this word suggests that it is multiple entities.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
Not that it should matter if one does or not but you have contradicted the "creeds" multiple times on this forum. Show me in their doctrine of the trinity where they teach that Jesus is יהוה....
Biblically, while it is true that there is only one God (Isa. 44:6; 45:18; 46:9; John 5:44; 1 Cor. 8:4; James 2:19), it is also true that three persons are called God in Scripture:

the Father (1 Pet. 1:2),
Jesus (John 20:28; Heb. 1:8), and
the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4).
Each of these three possesses the attributes of deity—including

omnipresence (Ps. 139:7; Jer. 23:23-24; Matt. 28:20),
omniscience (Ps. 147:5; John 16:30; 1 Cor. 2:10-11),
omnipotence (Jer. 32:17; John 2:1-11; Rom. 15:19), and
eternality (Ps. 90:2; Heb. 9:14; Rev. 22:13).
Still further, each of the three is involved in doing the works of deity—such as creating the universe:

the Father (Gen. 1:1; Ps. 102:25),
the Son (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2), and
the Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:2; Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30).
The Bible indicates that there is three-in-oneness in the godhead (Matt. 28:19; cf. 2 Cor. 13:14).

Thus doctrinal support for the Trinity is compellingly strong.

3. Jesus Christ.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was created by Jehovah as the archangel Michael before the physical world existed, and is a lesser, though mighty, god.

Biblically, however, Jesus is eternally God (John 1:1; 8:58; cf. Ex. 3:14) and has the exact same divine nature as the Father (John 5:18; 10:30; Heb. 1:3).

Indeed, a comparison of the OT and NT equates Jesus with Jehovah (compare Isa. 43:11 with Titus 2:13; Isa. 44:24 with Col. 1:16; Isa. 6:1-5 with John 12:41).

Jesus himself created the angels (Col. 1:16; cf. John 1:3; Heb. 1:2, 10) and is worshiped by them (Heb. 1:6).

4. The incarnation.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that when Jesus was born on earth, he was a mere human and not God in human flesh.

This violates the biblical teaching that in the incarnate Jesus, “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col. 2:9; cf. Phil. 2:6-7).

The word for “fullness” (Gk. plērōma) carries the idea of the sum total. “Deity” (Gk. theotēs) refers to the nature, being, and attributes of God.

Therefore, the incarnate Jesus was the sum total of the nature, being, and attributes of God in bodily form.

Indeed, Jesus was Immanuel, or “God with us” (Matt. 1:23; cf. Isa. 7:14; John 1:1, 14, 18; 10:30; 14:9-10).

5. Resurrection.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was resurrected spiritually from the dead, but not physically.

Biblically, however, the resurrected Jesus asserted that he was not merely a spirit but had a flesh-and-bone body (Luke 24:39; cf. John 2:19-21).

He ate food on several occasions, thereby proving that he had a genuine physical body after the resurrection (Luke 24:30, 42-43; John 21:12-13).

This was confirmed by his followers who physically touched him (Matt. 28:9; John 20:17).

6. The second coming.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the second coming was an invisible, spiritual event that occurred in the year 1914.

Biblically, however, the yet-future second coming will be physical, visible (Acts 1:9-11; cf. Titus 2:13), and will be accompanied by visible cosmic disturbances (Matt. 24:29-30). Every eye will see him (Rev. 1:7).

7. The Holy Spirit.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force of God and not a distinct person.

Biblically, however, the Holy Spirit has the three primary attributes of personality:

a mind (Rom. 8:27),
emotions (Eph. 4:30), and
will (1 Cor. 12:11).
Moreover, personal pronouns are used of him (Acts 13:2). Also, he does things that only a person can do, including:

teaching (John 14:26),
testifying (John 15:26),
commissioning (Acts 13:4),
issuing commands (Acts 8:29), and
interceding (Rom. 8:26).
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity (Matt. 28:19).

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/...hovahs-witnesses-when-they-knock-at-the-door/

https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1982/06/is-jesus-jehovah-god
http://www.bible-researcher.com/tetragrammaton.html

links are too long to post
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,176
1,573
113
68
Brighton, MI
Challenge for Jesus Only and other Non-Trinity people

First defined your beliefs about the Trinity from your church website with your understanding of what they teach.

Second, do the same with all your church beliefs for context of your thinking.

Third use the Early Church Fathers with links to only primary source sites like newadvent.org any from your church is ok with links to both primary source sites. Provide your scripture quotes from Your churches translation or denomination translation, from Easy-to-Read Version (ERV), Amp, RSV, Wuest, no Literal translations, AT Robertson Commentaries, J.B. Phillips New Testament, Good News Translation (GNT) , and Contemporary English Version (CEV) . Provide links to all primary sources and anything you quote to check for context. The Early Church Fathers were taught by the Apostles. For your comments simply use Me: in front of them.

https://christianchat.com/bible-dis...sus-only-and-other-non-trinity-people.201933/

Please, double post here and at the new thread so I can find them.

Thanks,
Daniel

1634481864717.jpeg
 
Aug 8, 2021
620
37
28
Revelation 1:8
New Revised Standard Version
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

The context and the book is about Jesus. Alpha and Omega in that book is applied to Jesus.

Revelation 21:6
Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.

Revelation 22:13
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

12 “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

14 Blessed are those who wash their robes,[g] so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”


There are multiple beings in Revelation (God The Father, God's angel, Jesus Christ, John, etc.). This causes confusion in the church regarding who is saying what. You have to start at the beginning or Revelation to get the context:


Revelation 1:1-2

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.


This first verse is very important because it lets us know who is speaking, who is being spoken to, and who is being spoken about. The subject matter is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ". The one giving the Revelation is "God" through His "angel", and it is being given to Jesus' servant John.

This verse makes it clear that God and Jesus are two separate entities, and its God (by way of His angel) that is giving the Revelation.



Revelation 1:3-6

3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.



The actual Revelation of Jesus doesn't start until verse seven. Verses 4-6 appear to be a prayer addressed to these churches in Asia. What we do get from this though is more clear indication of separate beings (The Father, Jesus, and seven Spirits before the Father's throne). Something else important here.... The small word "and" written before "the seven Spirits" and before "Jesus Christ" indicates that neither one of them can be the entity referred to as "Him which is, and which was, and which is to come". This is important for verse 8....



Revelation 1:7-8

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.


So now with everything in context, we can look at the two controversial verses. It is clear that verse seven is speaking about The Messiah... not only because of him being pierced, but also because verse 1 says this is a revelation of him. However, we learned in verse one that it was The Father through His angel that was giving the Revelation... not The Messiah. This is why verse 7 is not in first person when speaking about Jesus... where as verse 8 is in first person. We also see the phrase "which is, and which was, and which is to come", which belong to a separate being from Jesus as we saw in verses 4-5. Lastly, we have the title "The Almighty" which refers To The Most High many places in scripture, but nowhere is it used to refer to Jesus.


This clear distinction between God (The Father) and Jesus continues on through the the other chapters you mentioned (Rev 21 and 22):


Revelation 22:1-3

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

You will see this separation between the two entities all throughout Revelation and the rest of scripture. So as we saw in Revelation 1, it begins with God The Father's angel speaking. Jesus' voice is introduced in Rev 1:9-10 and he speaks until Rev 4. We see in Rev 4:1 that there is more than one voice heard by John.... This is why Jesus announces himself when he starts speaking again in Rev 22:16.

The phrase "Alpha and Omega" is not used by The Messiah. The only place you will find that phrase within context of Jesus speaking is Revelation 1:11.... and in that verse you will not find that phrase in the Byzantine Majority Text. This is one of the few places the KJV steered away from the MT. For the sake of argument let's say The Messiah did call himself the Alpha and Omega... Well if he's the firstborn of creation and will be here for eternity, then so be it. Sharing that phrase with the Most High still does not automatically mean that you have the same level of power/authority as Him.